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Exposure to Cats in Early Life May Increase Risk of Eczema in Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Children who live in households with cats from birth may be at a higher risk of developing eczema by the age of one, according to a study of 486 newborns. Researchers found that 28 percent of children in cat households developed eczema, compared to 18 percent of those without cats. The study, conducted by the University of Arizona, also suggested that exposure to cats may have a greater impact on children whose mothers are not asthmatic.

Key Takeaways:

  • A study of 486 newborns found that 28 percent of children in cat households developed eczema by the age of one, compared to 18 percent of those without cats.
  • Exposure to cats increased a child's risk of eczema, regardless of whether their mother had asthma, but the effect was more pronounced in children whose mothers were not asthmatic.
  • Being exposed to two or more dogs at home suggested a slightly protective, but not significant, effect on children's risk of developing eczema.
  • The study's lead researcher, Esmeralda Morales, suggested that further research is needed to understand the relationship between pets and allergic diseases.
  • Sue Lewis-Jones, a consultant dermatologist and spokeswoman for the British Skin Foundation, cautioned that the study was too early to draw firm conclusions and that more research is needed to determine the risks and benefits of exposure to pets.

Statistics:

  • 134 children in the study lived in households with cats, of which 28 percent (38 children) developed eczema by the age of one.
  • 286 children in the study lived in households without cats, of which 18 percent (52 children) developed eczema by the age of one.
  • The study was conducted by the University of Arizona and presented at the annual conference of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego, 2006.
  • Britain has one of the highest prevalence of eczema, asthma, hay fever, and other allergies in the world, according to figures from 2006.

Sources:

  • "Study suggests that exposure to cats in early life may increase risk of eczema in children." The Times, 2006.
  • Esmeralda Morales, Paediatric Pulmonary Fellow, University of Arizona.
  • Sue Lewis-Jones, consultant dermatologist and spokeswoman for the British Skin Foundation.
  • American Thoracic Society, San Diego, 2006.

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